Is it wrong to fleece adventurers at the item shop?

As it turns out, we are both quite busy for the rest of the day. I a little more so than my live in adventurer. I don't want to take any chances with the enchantments for my new shoes after all. The first enchantment, the one to enhance my agility is easy enough. The second one, the one enhancing my willpower, isn't too hard either. But in combination they are mentally draining.

I decide to take a little break after that one and head down to the inn together with Elzbieta, after stamping her quest papers. She wants to turn those in, and I decide to get a little something to eat and maybe something to drink too while I'm at it.

I certainly can do with a little distraction right about now. I just have to be careful not to overdo it. In the end I get a slice of slightly toasted bread and some fried vegetables, the same we had for lunch, and a mug of light beer for both of us. That should do for dinner.

As we eat Rafal starts to tune his instrument and we end up staying a little longer after all, getting a second mug of beer each. It is a rather pleasant evening. It is pleasant with one exception. The building pressure in my chest.

Thankfully I don't even have to say anything. It seems Elzbieta is well aware of my distress. As we finish our second mug she gets up and pulls me along with surprising strength. She really is still full of surprises.

I don't put up any resistance either though. Why would I anyway? Thus I'm processing some more virgin milk once again a little later. I'm not quite sure what I'll use it for, but I certainly won't let it go to waste.

Maybe I'll make some of my special coffee tomorrow morning to get us going? That sounds reasonable enough. There certainly would be worse uses for it. Still the thought has me blushing a little. Or is that due to the way Elzbieta kept eyeing me while relieving my swollen breasts? I can't really rule that out. I don't want to dwell on it right now either though.

Once I'm done I put away the potion bottles with the preserved milk and take a moment to clean everything I used in the process. Then it is time to return my attention to my fancy new footwear.

Before I shift towards the next enchantment I take a moment to study the sandals in greater detail, activating my appraisal skill in the process.

[Masterwork sure step sandals, Quality: Epic, These masterwork sandals made from the finest leather have been enchanted to enhance the wearer's agility and willpower under all circumstances. The wearer's movements will be more decisive and sure as a result. Curiously enough, the effect is not limited to the wearer's steps, despite the name. These make the wearer move more agile, lithe as well as decisive and sure overall.]

I blink in surprise. That isn't quite the same information I remember from my old sandals. It seems these ones might just turn out even better, if I don't mess up. I swallow hard. No pressure. No pressure at all.

Next up is the enchantment for endurance. I take great care, as I make my preparations.

Before I can actually get started though, Elzbieta slides up next to me. She puts an arm around my waist and slides up close.

“Are you sure about this? Do you really want to do this tonight? You could wait until tomorrow, you know. Right?”

I chuckle weakly. Instead of answering right away I slide an arm around her waist in turn. I hold her close and just enjoy the moment before I let her go again.

“I could. I doubt I would get much sleep though. I'd probably twist and turn restlessly all night instead.”

She doesn't argue. Instead she gets on her tip toes to place a light kiss on my cheek only to wink at me right after, as she steps back.

“For good luck.”

That puts a smile on my face. A smile as genuine as it can be.

While she feeds Sour Cream and gets ready for bed I light two more candles so I'll have better lighting. Afterwards I check all my preparations once more. Everything seems to be in order.

Surprisingly enough I'm not quite as nervous as I expected I'd be. Most curious. Is it due to experience? Or is my improved Auspicious Aura to blame? Well, either way it doesn't really matter. All that matters is, that I'm not getting any last moment jitters.

After taking one last deep breath, I grab my chalk and get started. Faster than ever before, but no less careful, I place faintly glowing rune after rune until the circle is done.

There is no wobbling this time, no uncertainty. The runes get sucked into the sandals and the enchantment takes without a hitch. Even with my enhanced willpower it takes all the resolve I can muster to not jump and shout gleefully. My hands shake ever so slightly, as I reach out to grab the sandals and inspect them thoroughly using my appraisal skill.

[Masterwork Summer night's sandals, Quality: Mythic, An enchanted pair of sandals, fashioned from the finest leather, that grant the wearer's every movement a truly unreal dreamlike grace. Agility, Willpower and Endurance all are increased considerably while wearing these sandals, much more so than one might initially expect. When worn in combination with A Summer night's dress or other matching items additional effects might be achieved.]

Eyes wide I place the sandals back down. I start to shake ever so slightly as I walk over to the bed almost as if in a daze. I just barely manage to sit down before the next divine whisper reaches my ears.

[Extraordinary Success! Great job creating your first mythic piece! Keep at it! For you not even the stars in sky have to be the limit! The Moon Father is your witness and gifts you 8 point for the World Arcana as a reward.]

Thankfully my weird behavior already prepared Elzbieta for what follows now. She must have been close to falling asleep already, but as tip over now she manages to grab me, so I land in bed with her instead of on the floor next to it. She is saying something, but I can't quite make out her words, as consciousness finally flees me.

I'm beyond caring right now though. I achieved something most mortals can never hope to achieve. And even better, someone I deeply care for is holding me close right now. It hardly can get any better. Thus I let go for now and let the dreams claim me. Dreams of dancing among the stars. Weird dreams, but also pleasant ones.